In S4 E 12 I am delighted to bring this special two-part conversation from podcast sponsor The Medical Benevolent Association of NSW-ACT www.mbansw.org.au with their senior social worker Julia Kwiet and general surgeon Dr Sue Velovski.
In part one of this conversation I hear more about Julia and Sue's professional and personal backgrounds and why and how they both came to be working and advocating in the area of doctors' health and wellbeing and collaborating together through the MBA.
Julia is a clinical social worker with two decades of expertise in managing complex trauma, psychosocial assessment and therapeutic interventions.
Dr Sue Velovski is a specialist general surgeon working in the northern rivers of NSW. She was awarded rural doctor of the year in 2022 for her contribution to and ongoing support of her community, cancer patents, training and teaching of students, GPs and hospital staff ( more complete bios for both of my guests in this episode )
Content warning: This conversation does discuss suicide, if you have been affected by any of the important topics discussed please reach out for help, support and use the list of key resources and. contacts here.
Important Links:
Doctors' Health, Wellbeing and Mental Health Support Services
AMA/AMSA Traffic light guide to supports for Doctors:
https://www.ama.com.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/FINAL%20AMACDT%20x%20AMSA%20Mental%20Health%20Support%20Flyer%20June%202022.pdf
Drs4u: This website is only for the use of medical professionals and medical students. https://www.drs4drs.com.au/
For urgent mental health support, call 1300 374 377 (1300 Drs4Drs) anytime, 24/7
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, there are people here to help. Please seek out help from one of the below contacts:
Lifeline| 13 11 14 | 24-hour Australian crisis counselling service
Suicide Call Back Service| 1300 659 467 | 24-hour Australian counselling service
Beyondblue| 1300 22 4636 | 24-hour phone support and online chat service and links to resources and apps
THESE ARE NOT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: IN AN EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 000
AMA Peer Support Line … 1300 853 338 or 1800 991 997
Hand-n-Hand Peer Support
International links NZ/US/UK/Ireland/Canada :
https://physiciansanonymous.org/physician-suicide-prevention-resources/
Further reading:
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2022/22/100-years-of-physician-suicide-call-for-action/
Introducing the MBA NSW-ACT with Louise Fallon https://www.buzzsprout.com/1091279/12707883-introducing-the-medical-benevolent-association-of-nsw-with-louise-fallon.mp3?download=true
The Mind Full Medic Podcast is proudly sponsored by the MBA NSW-ACT Find out more about their service or donate today at www.mbansw.org.au
Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Moreover views expressed here are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our employers or other official organisations.